Embracing Our True Selves: Rising Above the Shadows of Perceived Reality

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but about learning to dance in the rain – Vivian Greene

In the fabric of our existence, mistakes are inevitable; they are the missteps that allow us to learn, grow, and evolve. When this happens, sometimes we just need to take a step back and remember that emotions such as shame, self-blame and guilt are just part of our humanness. They do not define us; they are the shadows that dance in the periphery of our true selves.

This journey of self-discovery and self-compassion can be a daunting one, yet it is in these challenging moments that we have a choice. Do we choose to see life through the lens of perceived reality, with its inherent limitations, or do we dare to peer through the lens of our true selves, where endless possibilities await?

I was recently given the opportunity to transcend the shame that was consuming my energy and rise above those whispers in my head that I was somehow flawed, unworthy, and essentially a bad person. Yes, I had acted unprofessionally and of course, I am responsible for the hurt that ensued after a damaging rampage of criticism, but this dark cloud that hovered over me was an illusion and a lack of introspection at the time kept me trapped in a loop of regret and anguish.

But as Brené Brown, once said,

Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.

There are always moments in the grand narrative of our lives where we truly understand that we are all imperfect beings on a journey of growth and that our true selves are not bound by past errors but are free to evolve and aspire to be a better version of ourselves.

The path to self-compassion and self-acceptance can be challenging, but we are not alone in our struggles. As author and poet Maya Angelou beautifully articulated,

We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their color.

So as I navigate this ‘broken relationship’, I accept that the mistakes I made are not the sum of my existence, but merely stepping stones on my journey towards self-discovery. It is in my authenticity that I will find the strength to rise above and truly live. I cannot possibly take responsibility for how others perceive me but I can only hope in time they too may experience the liberation of self-redemption and forgiveness.

In the words of the great Rumi,